2005 Ford Escape
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Suspension is the leading concern among 1,584 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Escape model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 44 involved a crash and 20 involved a fire. 29 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power train, automatic transmission, lever and linkage, floor shiftSep 29, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2001-2008 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured March 31, 2001, to September 1, 2009. The affected vehicles are equipped with either a 2.3L or 3.0L engine and have had their CD4E transmission replaced with remanufactured one that was rebuilt between June 11, 2015 through July 15, 2015. These service repair part transmissions have a shift lever bolt that may not be properly tightened. As a result, the shift control lever could disengage from the transmission without warning.
If the shift lever disengages from the transmission, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the gear selection indicator may show that the transmission is in the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not actually be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmissions and either tighten the manual shift lever bolt or replace the manual shift lever assembly. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S28.
Campaign 15V606000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, wheel bearingJun 3, 2015
The Timken Company (Timken) is recalling certain aftermarket front wheel bearings, part number 510072, sold from January 22, 2015, to May 21, 2015, to be used as service parts on 2001-2012 Ford Escape, 2001-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner vehicles. The affected wheel bearings have incorrect dimensions of a 42mm bore, 76mm outer dimension, and 39mm width, instead of a 42mm bore, 78mm outer dimension and a 45mm width.
Use of an incorrectly sized wheel bearing can adversely affect the braking and steering of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Timken has begun notifying distributors who will offer purchasers replacement wheel bearings, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2015. Owners may contact Timken customer service at 1-866-984-6536.
Campaign 15E045000 on NHTSA.gov
Hybrid propulsion systemSep 3, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Ford Escape hybrid electric vehicles manufactured October 13, 2003, to June 20, 2008, and 2006-2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid electric vehicles manufactured June 10, 2005, to June 20, 2008. The coolant pump for the hybrid system may fail resulting in the hybrid electronics overheating.
If the hybrid electronics system overheats, it may shut down the powertrain, resulting in a stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the original Motor Electronics Coolant (MEC) Pump with an improved brushless pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 27, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S19.
Campaign 14V526000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, head restraintApr 7, 2006
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT SIDE AIR CURTAINS OR MOONROOFS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT ABOVE THE PERMITTED LIMIT AT THE LEFT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
DEALERS WILL MAKE MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL LOCATED ABOVE THE HEADLINER IN THE AFFECTED AREA FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 19, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 06V111000 on NHTSA.gov
Latches/locks/linkages, doors, latchDec 20, 2004
CERTAIN 2004-2005 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND CERTAIN 2001-2003 SPORT UTIITY VEHICLE HAVING REAR LIFTGATE COMPONENTS SERVICED WITH 2004 EQUIVALENT COMPONENTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 206, 'DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS.' THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCHING SYSTEM DOES NOT MEET THE INERTIA LOAD REQUIREMENT IN ONE DIRECTION.
IF THE LIFTGATE IS LEFT UNLOCKED, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL THAT IT MAY OPEN DURING A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR LIFTGATE LATCH RELEASE ROD, THE RELEASE ROD ATTACHMENT CLIP AND THE DOOR HANDLE RETURN SPRING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V602000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
126 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Apr 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. Upon starting of the vehicle, the contact placed the vehicle into drive(D); however, the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle independently downshifted and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 30 MPH. The vehicle was shaking, and the vehicle failed to accelerate upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where and the contact was informed that the transmission torque converter was defective and needed to be replaced. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2023
Stalled out while driving down hwy. At 70 mph. Cars swirved and I almost got hit from behind due to my vehicle just cutting out. No warning lights came on it just shut off battery light n engine light then came on after vehicle lost power and I had to get off road without causing an accident which almost occurred due to the speed and area I was driving at time vehicle cut out I still have not figured out why it just cut out. Very dangerous all around.
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2022
Drove vehicle to drop off dog at sitters, started vehicle began to make u-turn and vehicle stalled. Attempted to restart, cranks but won't run. Recently purchased from used car dealer, new battery was installed, no trouble up to this point. Began checking usual problems, fuel delivery, crank pos.sensor, cam pos sensor, have no spark. Upon further research this appears to be faulty coils, spark plugs and pcm from factory but no recall has been employed. Possibility of collision during u-turn very likely. Loss of power to all systems could cause extreme risk to life at higher speeds. Ford Motor Company is aware of this problem, with the high number of similar problems in the NHTSA data base it is impossible for them not to know. The NHTSA should force Ford to fix this. If you make a product that can be dangerous if faulty, you are responsible to the public to do the right thing. I think that if the governmental agency responsible for traffic safety won't do their job then a class action lawsuit should be started. I bet I could find a good lawyer in the SF Bay area.
Power train, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH and accelerating, there was a roaring sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle started accelerating at an uncontrollable speed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway and turn the vehicle off. The vehicle was not diagnosed however, the dealer stated that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Power train, Sep 30, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the overdrive warning light was illuminated. The contact parked on the side of the road. The contact stated she depressed the overdrive button. The vehicle was towed to independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The vehicle was towed to her son's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V606000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,684. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Aug 30, 2021
The power steering will repeatedly and unexpectedly go out when driving often when hitting a slight bump or making a turn. This never leads to a code triggered but absolutely could lead to injury or death and has been reported in so many Hybrid Ford Escapes.
Power train, Apr 13, 2021
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH. CAR JUST STOPPED ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY. DIAGNOSED WITH FAILED TRANSMISSION. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED8/31/2011. I SEE A RECALL FOR REBUILT TRANSMISSION FOR THIS YEAR VEHICLE WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION FAILURES BUT I AM UNABLE TO FIND SUCH A RECALL.
Power train, Mar 8, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHILE ATTEMPTING TO UPSHIFT HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER YOUNG FORD OGDEN (3450 WALL AVE, OGDEN, UT 84401, (801) 629-5500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE TRANSMISSION TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V606000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Jan 20, 2020
THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING OTHER VEHICLES.
Power train, Aug 18, 2019
WHEN SLOWING DOWN VEHICLE TO STOP FOR A CAR AHEAD OF YOU, STOPPING AT STOP SIGN, OR SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN, VEHICLE ENGINE WILL STOP LEAVING DRIVER IN A SERIOUS AND COMPROMISING POSITION, VEHICLE HAS TO BE PLACED IN NEUTRAL OR PARK TO RESTART AND OCCUPANT MUST SHIFT INTO DRIVE QUICKLY AND ACCELERATE QUICKLY SO ENGINE WILL NOT KILL, ONCE THE VEHICLE WARMS UP IT WILL KILL RIGHT AWAY, I'M AFRAID THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND BE IN AN INTERSECTION AND HIT OR HIT FROM BEHIND, VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND TRANSMISSION FLUIDS ARE EXACTLY THE LEVEL THEY SHOULD BE AT
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2018
DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE MY 05 ESCAPE BEGAN TO SKIP,STALL & DIED, ANTI THEFT LIGHT CAME ON. I DRIVE FOR 20 MILES SLOW WITH IT SKIPPING AND STALLING. WHEN I LEFT OFF ON GAS IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN UNTIL I MADE IT TO SAFE PLACE. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE FOR REPAIR ON STATE HWY IT STALLED AND WENT DEAD. FORD DEALERSHIP REPROG KEYS- REPAIRED DRIVE OFF, BARELY OFF THE LOT AND IT QUIT AGAIN. NOW I SEE THIS IS A MANUFACTURES ISSUE WITH 05 ESCAPES AFTER AN ONLINE SEARCH. NEW FORD DIAGNOSIS- NEW PLUGS & COIL PACK, INTAKE GASKET. 170,000 MILES. MY ALARM RANDOMLY GOES OFF TOO WHICH COULD BE RELATED TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. FORD MOTOR IS LIABLE IF SOMEONE'S VEHICLE STALLS AND IS KILLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM THEY KNOW ABOUT BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED OR RECALLED.
Power train, Nov 18, 2018
SEE REPORT
Power train, Oct 16, 2018
GEAR SHIFT LEVER STUCK IN PARK- VEHICLE STARTS RUNS FINE CAN NOT GET OUT OF PARK. HAD BEEN DIFFICULT SEVERAL TIMES BUT GOT IT WORKING AFTER SEVERAL EPISODES OFF AND ON NOW STUCK IN OFF STREET PARKING AT SENIOR CENTER. APPT MADE FOREPAIR 10-17 SKILLMAN FORDGREENWOOD IN GOOD CAR EVERYTHING ELSE DEPENDABLE
Steering, Power train, Sep 24, 2018
WHILE GOING ONTO A FREEWAY ONRAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER, ALL LIGHTS CAME ON, THE ABILITY TO STEER AND BRAKE WAS AFFECTED BY TOTAL POWER LOSS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT DISPLAY ANY ISSUES LEADING UP TO THIS BUT NEARLY RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT BY THE INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND GET IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER BEING TOWED, THE AUTO SHOP DIAGNOSED A P0354, P0351, P0355, P0352 IGNITION COILS, AND PCM FAILURE. MY RESEARCH SHOWS THERE ARE MULTIPLE CLAIMS OF THIS OCCURRING AND IT IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE.
Power train, Sep 3, 2018
ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING HOME ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE O/D OFF LIGHT STARTED FLASHING & IT ACTED LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO CHANGE GEARS AT ALL. I STOPPED GOT GAS AND LIGHT STAYED ON. THEN AS I STARTED DRIVING AGAIN IT WENT AWAY. AFTER PARKING AT HOME OVERNIGHT I ATTEMPTED TO GO REVERSE & IT ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. AFTER SOME BACK AND FORTH WITH THE SHIFTER IT LET ME GO IN INTO REVERSE ONLY WHEN I REVVING UP AND THEN IT STARTED HAVING ISSUES IN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. IN SEARCHING THIS ISSUE THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE, END HAS CAUSED A FEW ACCIDENTS.
Power train, Mar 10, 2018
ENGINE OIL LEAK CAN NOT BE TRACED. SERVICED BY FORD SINCE 2004 WHEN I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW. ONLY SERVICED BY A FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE, 130,047, AND AGE THE ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED. DYE TEST CONDUCTED BY FORD SERVICE AND NO LEAKS WERE FOUND AFTER DRIVING 500 MILES AND RETURNING TO THE FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CHECK FOR LEAKS AS ADVISED BY FORD SERVICE DEPARTMENT. LEAVING THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT, FORD SERVICE MECHANIC INDICATES AFTER SITTING OVERNIGHT IT SMOKES EXCESSIVELY ON COLD STARTUP. I HAVE REPLICATED THE COLD STARTUP PROCEDURE EVERYDAY IN COLD WEATHER OBSERVING THE TAIL PIPE EXHAUST AS MY WIFE STARTS THE ENGINE SINCE JANUARY 2018. THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A SIGN OF SMOKE OR EXCESSIVE SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE TAIL PIPE EXHAUST.
Suspension, Power train, Mar 7, 2018
2005 FORD ESCAPE. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE CAUSED THE COILS TO FAIL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE THERE WAS A TSB FOR THE FAILURE AND BELIEVED THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE HIGHWAY AND INTO A PARKING LOT. *JS
Power train, Nov 3, 2017
TRANMISSION WILL NOT PULL THE OVER DRIVE FLASHES OFF\ON
Power train, Structure, Apr 2, 2017
WHILE LOOKING AT YOUR WEB SITE, I NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY 2005 ESCAPE 3.0L, I DIDN'T GET A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE DEALER AND ITS 2017 AND I'M THE SECOND OWNER,AND NOW I FIND OUT THAT MY PASSAGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL IS RUSTED OUT BY LOOKING AT ALL THE WHEEL WELLS, CAUSE I HEARD A HARD BUMP SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING IT ON THE STREETS. NOW I NOTICE THAT THERE IS A SHIFT LEVEL RECALL ON THE SAME ESCAPE!!. WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE RECALL NOTICES!!!. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE TO GET AROUND IN- GREAT CAR OTHER THEN THAT.
Power train, Engine, Jan 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE, STEERING, AND BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL SIX EMISSION COILS FAILED AND FRACTURED THE PCM. THE SIX EMISSION COILS, POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE, AND SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. ..UPDATED 02/09/17 *BF *TR
Power train, Engine, Dec 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE ABRUPTLY SHUT DOWN. THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS HOOKED UP TO A HANDHELD DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND DISPLAYED, "BAD PCM AND BAD COILS". THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Power train, Jul 20, 2016
WE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION FROM 14000 MILES, WE REPORTED TO DEALER AND THEY NEVER NOTED IT IN THERE COMPUTER.. WE COMPLAINED 6 TIMES WITH IT ONLY GOT PUT IN THE COMPUTER AT THE DEALER TWICE.. FINALLY AFTER IT RAN OUT OF WARRANTY, IT ALMOST KILLED OUR WHOLE FAMILY.. THE TRANY WHEN WE CAME UP TO A STOP SIGN COMING OFF THE FREEWAY STAYED INGAGED AND THROUGH US IN TO A BUNCH OF TRAFFIC, ALMOST CAUSING A HE'LL OF A ACCIDENT.. WE'LL IT ENDED UP RUINING THE TRANSMISSION CAUSE THE TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKED UP AND CAUSED IT NOT TO DISENGAGE.. I ENDED UP SPENDING 3500.00 AND HAD THE DEALER PUT A OWN REBUILT IN. LATER I FOUND OUT FORD HAD 4 UPDATED TORQUE CONVERTERS.. WHY WAS THERE NOT A RECALL WHEN IT ALMOST KILLS PEOPLE.. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH EVERYTHING THAT HAS WENT ON WITH THIS VEHICLE.. I AM WILL TO JOIN ANY KIND OF LAWSUIT OVER GETTING THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE MORE AVASIVE MOVE TO HELP AND PROTECT THE CONSUMER, INSTEAD OF HELPING THESE BIG COMPANIES BEND PEOPLE OVER.. WE PAY A LOT OF MONEY FOR THESE VEHICLES, AND WE GET TREATED LIKE DIRT..
Power train, Wheels, Jun 30, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD ESCAPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WAS RUSTED AND THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNUSUAL, BUT DECLINED TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,194.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Feb 5, 2016
VEHICLE JERKING 4WD LIGHT KEEPS BLINKING, POWER LOCK LIGHT POPS ON CAR ACT LIKE IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2015
WHEN DRIVING CAR SHUTS OFF. CAR STARTS IN PARK WHEN PUT IN GEAR SHUTS OFF. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN SLOWED DOWN IN TRAFFIC CAR SHUT OFF, AND WOULD WOULD START IN PARK BUT SHUT OFF WHEN PUT IN GEAR